Review of The Door in the Floor (2004) by Henry D — 20 Dec 2004

The Door in the floor was a pleasant surprise for me as I was really ignorant to the author John Irving who wrote "widow for a year". this movie is basically about a couple who has suffered a tragic loss in their life (loss of children).

this loss has obviously taken it's toll on the marriage. Jeff Bridges is a childrens writer who invites a young teen boy to be his assistant. What this boy doesn't realize, is Jeff Bridges is using him because he looks like his dead son and he feels it will help his wife who has been devastated by the loss.

this teen in turn, "uses" his wife to explore his sexual feelings and I was impressed by this unknow actors skill in transforming the character as, at first he was this intimidated, shy teen and he seemingly grows up in the movie.

the movie is certainly a thinking mans movie and its truly facinating to watch the characters interplay with each other and you never really get a full grasp on them, especially Kim Basinger. I found Jeff Bridges to be spectacular and will certainly now consider him a great actor.

The director although fairly new, did such a great job at choosing the actors and supporting help as far as score, cinematography, etc. A great adaptation of a great book that I must read now. But truly, there are far too many "light film" out there that don't make you think, but this one is complex and deals with harsh life realities.

I would recommend the special features which really show you and eduacate you about film as art and makes you realize things you may have missed. I feel it will enhance my knowledge of film and make me better appreciate future films of this nature.